Best Papaya Enzyme Supplements (2026)

Papaya enzyme supplements deliver concentrated doses of papain, a proteolytic enzyme naturally found in papaya fruit. These chewable tablets and capsules support protein digestion, reduce occasional bloating and gas, and promote nutrient absorption — making them a popular after-meal digestive aid for people who want natural enzyme support without prescription products.

Quick Comparison

Product	Key Enzyme	Form	Best For	Rating
American Health Super Papaya Enzyme Plus	Papain + Chlorophyll	Chewable Tablets	Best Overall	9.5/10
NOW Foods Papaya Enzyme	Papain + Mint	Chewable Lozenges	Best Multi-Enzyme	9.3/10
HEAL-N-SOOTHE Proteolytic Enzymes	Papain + Bromelain	Capsules	Best for Inflammation	9.2/10
NaturesPlus Papaya Enzyme	Papain + Amylase	Chewable Tablets	Best Sugar-Free	9.1/10
Carlyle Papaya Enzyme	Papain + Protease	Chewable Tablets	Best Value	9.0/10
American Health Original Papaya	Papain + Amylase	Chewable Tablets	Best Bulk Supply	8.9/10
Nature’s Truth Papaya Enzyme	Papain + Alpha Amylase	Chewable Tablets	Best Budget Pick	8.8/10

1. American Health Super Papaya Enzyme Plus – Best Overall

American Health Super Papaya Enzyme Plus is the gold standard in papaya enzyme supplements, combining papain with five additional enzymes and breath-freshening chlorophyll and peppermint.

Each serving provides papain, protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, and bromelain for comprehensive digestive coverage across proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and plant fibers. The 360-tablet bottle delivers a 120-serving supply at three tablets per serving. The formula is vegetarian, gluten-free, and free from artificial colors and preservatives.

• Pros:
• Six-enzyme blend covers all major food groups
• Added chlorophyll and peppermint for fresh breath
• Pleasant chewable format with natural papaya flavor

• Cons:
• Contains sorbitol which may cause sensitivity in some users
• Three tablets per serving is higher than some competitors

Best for: Anyone seeking a comprehensive multi-enzyme papaya supplement with breath-freshening benefits

2. NOW Foods Papaya Enzyme – Best Multi-Enzyme Formula

NOW Foods delivers a well-rounded papaya enzyme lozenge with mint and chlorophyll, backed by the brand’s NPA A-rated GMP certification.

Each lozenge contains 40 mg of whole, unripe, spray-dried papaya powder along with protease, lipase, and cellulase for full-spectrum enzymatic activity. The 360-count bottle provides 180 servings at two lozenges per dose. The formula is non-GMO, soy-free, kosher, and keto-friendly, with a refreshing mint flavor that doubles as a breath freshener.

• Pros:
• Uses whole unripe papaya powder for natural enzyme content
• Includes lipase and cellulase alongside papain
• Refreshing mint flavor suitable for after-meal use

• Cons:
• Lozenges may be too firm for some users to chew comfortably
• Lower papain concentration per serving compared to some brands

Best for: Users who want a trusted, GMP-certified multi-enzyme formula with a pleasant mint taste

3. HEAL-N-SOOTHE Proteolytic Enzymes – Best for Inflammation Support

HEAL-N-SOOTHE goes beyond basic digestive support by combining papain and bromelain with systemic proteolytic enzymes designed to support joint comfort and healthy inflammatory response.

This capsule formula pairs papain with bromelain, turmeric, boswellia, rutin, and other targeted compounds. Each serving delivers a potent blend of proteolytic enzymes that work both digestively and systemically. The capsule format is ideal for those who prefer not to chew tablets and want enzyme support beyond just digestion.

• Pros:
• Combines digestive papain with systemic enzyme support
• Includes anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric and boswellia
• Capsule form for easy swallowing

• Cons:
• Higher price point than basic papaya enzyme chewables
• Not a pure papaya enzyme — includes many additional ingredients

Best for: Those seeking papaya enzyme support combined with joint and inflammation benefits

4. NaturesPlus Papaya Enzyme – Best Sugar-Free Option

NaturesPlus offers a clean, sugar-free papaya enzyme chewable sweetened with xylitol, making it ideal for those watching sugar intake.

Each tablet provides 6 mg of papain alongside amylase and protease for protein and carbohydrate digestion support. The 360-tablet bottle offers exceptional value with one tablet per serving. Manufactured in FDA-registered and NSF-certified facilities with strict cGMP compliance, this formula is 100% natural, vegan, and derived entirely from papaya.

• Pros:
• Sugar-free formula sweetened with xylitol
• One tablet per serving for convenience
• NSF GMP-registered manufacturing facilities

• Cons:
• Lower papain dose per tablet compared to multi-tablet servings
• Xylitol may cause digestive sensitivity in some users

Best for: Users who want a sugar-free, single-tablet papaya enzyme with clean ingredients

5. Carlyle Papaya Enzyme – Best Value

Carlyle delivers an exceptional 300-count supply of papaya enzyme chewables with a precise multi-enzyme blend at one of the most competitive prices on the market.

Each three-tablet serving provides papain (2,000,000 PU/g), papaya fruit, protease (5,000 HUT/g), and alpha amylase (25,000 SKB/g). The tropical-flavored chewable tablets are vegetarian, non-GMO, and free from gluten, wheat, yeast, lactose, and soy. Carlyle backs the product with laboratory testing and over 40 years of supplement manufacturing experience.

• Pros:
• 300-tablet supply at a budget-friendly price
• Standardized enzyme activity units listed on label
• Delicious tropical flavor

• Cons:
• Contains sugar and fructose as sweeteners
• Three tablets per serving required

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want a large supply of quality papaya enzymes

6. American Health Original Papaya Enzyme – Best Bulk Supply

The original American Health papaya enzyme formula has been a digestive health staple for decades, and the 600-count bottle offers unmatched supply for daily users.

Each serving combines freshly ripened papaya fruit with papain, amylase, and protease for protein and carbohydrate digestion support. The simple, time-tested formula focuses on core papaya enzymes without additional herbs or compounds. The pleasant chewable format makes it easy to take after any meal.

• Pros:
• 600-tablet bottle for long-term supply
• Classic, proven formula trusted for decades
• Simple ingredient profile with no unnecessary additives

• Cons:
• Contains sucrose as a sweetener
• Basic enzyme profile without lipase or cellulase

Best for: Long-term users who want a simple, proven papaya enzyme at bulk pricing

7. Nature’s Truth Papaya Enzyme – Best Budget Pick

Nature’s Truth packs papain, protease, and alpha amylase into an affordable 120-count bottle with a natural tropical flavor that makes after-meal supplementation enjoyable.

Each three-tablet serving delivers 45 mg of papain, 20 mg of papaya fruit, 8 mg of protease, and 8 mg of alpha amylase. The vegan formula is free from gluten, yeast, milk, lactose, soy, artificial color, and artificial flavor. Nature’s Truth backs the product with three generations of vitamin innovation expertise.

• Pros:
• Affordable entry point for trying papaya enzymes
• Vegan-friendly formula
• Free from major allergens

• Cons:
• Smaller 120-count bottle runs out faster
• No lipase or cellulase included

Best for: First-time users or budget shoppers who want a quality papaya enzyme at a low price point

8. 21st Century Papaya Enzyme – Best Simple Formula

21st Century keeps things straightforward with a papaya and pineapple enzyme blend that provides both papain and bromelain in one convenient chewable tablet.

Each tablet contains a 22 mg papaya enzyme blend combining papaya powder, bromelain from pineapple, and papain. The tropical-flavored chewables are gluten-free, non-GMO, and contain no added salt, yeast, preservatives, or artificial flavors. At just one tablet per serving, it offers the simplest dosing of any papaya enzyme supplement on this list. For additional bloating support, consider pairing with a quality probiotic.

• Pros:
• Only one tablet per serving
• Dual enzyme support from papaya and pineapple
• No artificial additives or preservatives

• Cons:
• Lower enzyme dose per tablet
• Contains artificial color FD&C Yellow #6

Best for: Those who want a simple one-tablet-per-day papaya enzyme with bromelain from pineapple

How to Choose the Best Papaya Enzyme Supplement

When selecting a papaya enzyme supplement, look for products that clearly list papain content and ideally include standardized enzyme activity units (PU/g for papain, HUT/g for protease, SKB/g for amylase). Higher activity units indicate more potent enzymatic activity per serving. Products that combine papain with complementary enzymes like protease, amylase, lipase, and bromelain offer broader digestive coverage across different food types.

Chewable tablets are the most popular form for papaya enzymes because they begin working in the mouth and stomach immediately. If you prefer capsules, look for formulas specifically designed for systemic enzyme support. Most papaya enzyme supplements are naturally flavored with tropical or mint profiles, making them pleasant to take after meals.

Third-party testing and GMP certification are important markers of quality. Brands like NOW Foods, NaturesPlus, and American Health manufacture in GMP-certified facilities with regular quality testing. If you have sugar concerns, choose xylitol-sweetened options over those containing sucrose or fructose. Those exploring broader gut health support may also benefit from combining papaya enzymes with targeted gut-lining supplements.

For general digestive support, a standard papaya enzyme chewable taken after meals is sufficient. For systemic enzyme benefits targeting inflammation and joint comfort, look for higher-potency capsule formulas that combine papain with bromelain and other proteolytic enzymes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is papaya enzyme and what does it do?

Papaya enzyme refers primarily to papain, a proteolytic enzyme extracted from the papaya fruit (Carica papaya). Papain breaks down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids, supporting more efficient digestion and nutrient absorption. Many supplements also include additional enzymes like amylase (for carbohydrates), lipase (for fats), and bromelain (from pineapple) for broader digestive support.

How much papaya enzyme should I take daily?

Most papaya enzyme supplements recommend one to three tablets per serving, taken after meals up to three times daily. There is no standardized daily dose for papain, but typical supplements provide between 6 mg and 45 mg of papain per serving. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosing on the label and start with the lower end if you are new to enzyme supplementation.

When is the best time to take papaya enzyme?

Papaya enzyme supplements work best when taken immediately after meals to support the digestion of food already in the stomach. Some users also chew a tablet during meals. For systemic enzyme benefits (such as inflammation support), some formulas are designed to be taken on an empty stomach between meals.

Are there any side effects of papaya enzyme?

Papaya enzyme supplements are generally well tolerated. Some users may experience mild stomach discomfort, nausea, or throat irritation. People with latex allergies should exercise caution, as papain can cross-react with latex proteins. Pregnant or nursing women should consult a healthcare provider before use. High doses of papain may interfere with blood-thinning medications.

Can I take papaya enzyme with other supplements?

Yes, papaya enzyme supplements pair well with probiotics, fiber supplements, and other digestive aids. They are generally safe to combine with multivitamins and most other supplements. However, because papain has mild blood-thinning properties, consult a healthcare provider if you are taking anticoagulant medications or other proteolytic enzyme supplements simultaneously.

How long does it take for papaya enzyme to work?

Papaya enzyme chewables begin working almost immediately upon contact with food in the stomach. Most users notice reduced bloating and improved digestion within the first few days of regular use. For systemic enzyme benefits like inflammation support, allow two to four weeks of consistent daily use to evaluate results.

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